In Swahili, Kati Kati simply means “between.” Starbucks Kati Kati Blend® tells a vivid story about the coffee grown between Kenya and Ethiopia. It signals the impending arrival of East Africa’s summer’s coffee bliss.

Kenya, a country in the African Great Lakes region of East Africa, lies on the equator with the Indian Ocean to the south-east. Whereas Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa and it is the most populous landlocked country in the world.

“Like a choreographed dance, this season of change is waltzed into existence by the fragrant scents of jasmine blossoming on coffee trees in the Kenyan Rift Valley,” said Arthur Karuletwa, Starbucks director of traceability. “The changing of pink Flamingos to white in the majestic Lake Abijata, Ethiopia, signals the nature call for the flock to meander south west, as if to use the Rift Valley as their road map to the Kenyan Lake Nakuru - their next home in between seasons. Just as nature majestically signals the signs of summer, so does the coffee harvest – all in perfect sync. And one cup captures the splendor of it all.”

Starbucks Kati Kati Blend® is an example of the art of blending and roasting in action. The blend of these iconic East African origin coffees highlights the balance between citrus and spice notes from Kenya and subtle floral aromas and crisp acidity from Ethiopia, embodying the carefree nature of the season that is Kati Kati.

The roast is dark enough to bring the acidity, body and flavors into balance. Roasted any darker, this coffee would begin to lose the citrus flavors. Coffees that are very light in body can become watered down over ice. Kati Kati is a medium blend coffee with body, acidity and citrus flavors that are enhanced through brewing.

The coffee itself is enhanced by a colorful, breezy package design.

“The Kati Kati design is a stylized representation of the lush flora and fauna of East Africa,” said Jen Polaski, Starbucks manager creative design. “The artwork originated as an acrylic painting in crisp blues and whites to signal refreshment, because we love this coffee iced. Bright yellow accents recall the citrus notes of the coffee.”